Helmed by seasoned executive chefs, Universal CityWalk’s newest restaurants, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana and VIVO Italian Kitchen invite guests to savor an array of culinary concepts, as the popular destination expands its scope of dining options designed for the discerning palates of Angelenos and out-of-town visitors alike.
With eye-catching traditional Mexican décor in bold hues of oranges, greens and pinks, and complemented by striking, hand-painted murals, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana sits at the heart of CityWalk, bringing an aesthetic vibrancy to the destination.
Spearhead by Executive Chef Gian Caterina who hails from Brazil, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana serves up fresh ingredients—diced, marinated and grilled—to perfection.
Antojitos features open space seating, private dining rooms and an outdoor patio where guests are serenaded by live musical performances from local Latin artists and mariachi bands. A large centerpiece bar serves as a new trademark of the restaurant and features over 150 tequilas from around the world, a variety of spirited sampling flights, a selection of handcrafted cocktails and margaritas and cold cervezas served on tap.
The substantial menu features such delectable items as Guacamole Trio and Chips, including signature guacamole, pomegranate guacamole with queso fresco and pepita guacamole with jalapeños and lime salt; Carnitas Nachos (crispy pork carnitas); Queso Fundido (melted Oaxaca, Chihuahua and cotija cheeses); Chicharrones de Pollo (crispy chicken bites, chili lime salt); Elote (street corn) and Sopa de Tortilla, to name a few.
Flavorful tacos, made from hand-pressed tortillas, include Carne Asada (tequila marinated steak), Al Pastor (tender pork), Pollo (achiote braised chicken), Chorizo con Papas (ground chorizo with crispy potatoes), Birra de Res (six-hour braised beef), Baja Snapper (crispy fish) and Vegan Chorizo, all served with Mexican crema, refried or black beans, and Mexican red rice.
Diners can enjoy a sampling of enchiladas that includes Molé (braised chicken), Rojas (braised beef) and Verdes (three blended Mexican cheese) flavors, or they can opt for any of these as a standalone entrées.
Desserts, the celebratory finale of every good meal, includes such decadent sweets as Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Bar, a trio of Coconut, Pear and Mango Sorbet, traditional Flan and Churros.
Antojitos also caters to dietary restrictions, offering vegetarian options.
Situated within a sleek, modern setting, VIVO Italian Kitchen boasts an open expo kitchen and prides itself in serving heirloom family recipes as part of each carefully prepared meal.
Featuring both indoor and al fresco dining and serving an array of palate pleasing lunch and dinner menus, VIVO’s signature dishes come to life under the stewardship of Executive Chef Cyndi Tran, whose culinary training translates to the creation of fine Italian cuisine with such menu items as Tuscan kale and white bean soup, creamy garlic mushroom sauté, mussels marina, house-made meatballs, a variety of Paninis, tempting hand-tossed, hearth-baked pizzas and a selection of innovative twists on classic pastas favorites.
Warm homemade Italian bread with its crusty exterior and soft, chewy interior, grace each table as diners peruse the menu. Decant homemade desserts include such tempting treats as Chocolate Zucotto Vasi, Ricotta Cheesecake, Tiramisu, and homemade Gelato, accompanied by signature rosemary-infused homemade butter cookies. A full bar featuring a variety of Italian-inspired cocktails, conceptualized by an expert mixologist, can be enjoyed at the bar or with dinner in addition to a broad wine selection to complement every meal.
The arrival of Antojitos Cocina Mexicana and VIVO Italian Kitchen marks the ongoing celebration of CityWalk, which has boosted the city’s rhythm with a variety of memorable experiences for 25 years. With the introduction of new restaurants, including popular eateries Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Voodoo Doughnut, shopping experiences and the state-of-the-art multi-million dollar renovation of the Universal Cinema, the spotlight continues to shines brightly on Universal CityWalk as one of L.A.’s most influential lifestyle centers.
Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, VIVO Italian Kitchen and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville all accept reservations and cover a percentage of valet parking at CityWalk.
